Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. —So you’re saying there’s a chance? The New Orleans Saints may have just caught a big break ahead of their second game of the year.
Set to take on the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, the Saints’ Week 2 matchup got just a bit more interesting. After having to send star tight end George Kittle to injured reserve earlier in the week with a hamstring injury, the 49ers are expected to now also be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the quarterback is expected to miss 2-5 weeks with a toe injury.
From @GMFB: #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (wrist) is off the injury report, while #49ers QB Brock Purdy is out 2-5 weeks with a turf toe variant, sources say. pic.twitter.com/xQPT3Jm3cS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2025
San Francisco will also be without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who started the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
In Purdy’s place, San Francisco will start quarterback Mac Jones. The 2021 first-round selection started seven games with the Jacksonville Jaguars going 2-5 as a starter.
The 6-foot-3, 220 pound passer has completed 65.9% of his career passes and has thrown 54 touchdowns to 44 interceptions.
Jones was managing a knee injury during the preseason, but has been a full participant in practice despite it this week.
This opens the doors for a major upset in New Orleans as a feisty Saints team impressed in the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. However, for all the talent being lost in the 49ers’ offensive side, the defense still includes some elite-level talent that will make it challenging for the Saints’ offense and head coach Kellen Moore to put points on the board.
